FASHION BRAIN • What's your FQ (Fashion Quotient)?
Don't you just love the cold seasons? Hot tea and chocolate by the fireplace can really make your day. And you can always count on Fall fashion trends to be a real mood booster, what with the exotic looking models and styles to cheer you up a bit when you think you need more warmth...
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A look back with an old time jeans revivial perfect for Steam punks.
Pictured here is the 'Spring Bottom Pants', originally designed in the 1890s for those hard working men who dug holes in the ground, mined for gold and other precious metals, or just liked to live hard.
These cinchback, center-creased jeans come with elastic suspenders, and are really stylish with a slight French styling that was de rigor during the Gay 90s.
Other offerings (not pictured) include the 'Koverup', a one-piece denim worksuit that was quite popular with grease moneys in the early days of automobiling and 'The Sack Coat', based on the original Levi's jacket of 1910. All in all, an old style look that belongs in every Milleniumists wardrobe.
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Putting together fashion interviews is indeed an eye-opening experience. You've heard it all before, there is no glamour in fashion, just catfights, endless bitching and tears. MYTH or FACTS? Going in with expectations of glamour & excitements, we were certainly not disappointed. Designers: They seem to be the nicest people in the fashion arena. Surprised? We certainly were at least in our experiences with them.Support local Designers not because they're local but because they're good. Check out our local fashionistas, edgy fashion designers, and accessories makers. Ashburn Eng chats up four creative trendsetters in Singapore. |
"My personal style is an eclectic mix of sleek tailored street wear with an avant-garde edge. I accessorize a fair bit and I love dressing in prints, textures and colours. I have great reverence for visionaries such as director Tim Burton, photographer David Lachapelle, as well as fashion designers Hedi Slimane and Alexander McQueen. Style icons with the likes of David Beckham, Tom Ford and Gwen Stefani also inspire me."
On his rack, he won the 2004 Moët & Chandon Fresh Fashion Stylist of the Year, China Cup International Women's Wear Design Contest 2003 - Bronze Award and "Best Fashion Fabric" Award for the most innovative development and use of textiles. Association of Total Fashion International Fresh Designers Competition in Asia 2002 - Special Honour. Singapore Fashion Designers Contest 2002 - 3rd Prize Winner. What is being a designer all about? Is it only about dressing people, or is there more to it? A designer should be multi-faceted and multi-disciplined. He should be skilled and knowledgeable in areas such as pattern making, sewing, costume history, textiles, marketing, fine art, etc. Being technically savvy ensures that the designer is able to design practical workable clothing that are commercially viable. Designers should also keep up-to-date with the latest international trends and world news. As politics, technology, social events or economical changes can affect fashion, designers must always been keenly aware of everything that is going on around the world. What are the things you like or dislike about your job? I love the creative aspects of my work. It is the driving force that spurs me to improve myself. When working with creative fashion people, you are bound to encounter big egos, insecurities, gossiping and bitching. I just take it in my stride. I am already used to it all, more or less. The fashion industry can sometimes be mentally and physically draining. I sometimes get "fashion fatigue". What do you think of Singaporean's fashion instinct? Singapore still has some way to go before it can achieve its hopes of ever becoming an international style hub or fashion capital. Look around you, Singaporeans simply do not make enough of an effort to dress well. Fashion is simply not a priority for most Singaporeans. |
"My style borders on wearable uniqueness, I believe that humans thrive on diversity, 'imperfect perfection', asymmetry and the ambiguous 'shock element'. The imperfect perfection refers to the fact that I am rather drawn to raw edges and unusual finishing. Asymmetry is rather self explanatory and the shock element refers to an unusual combinations of fabrications or unique theme that inspires the collection."
The Label: Jimi Heng started Annoyingly Enormous with a few friends customising t-shirts and making unique one of a kind garments. We had no intention of making money as the production output was rather low and the returns were not high. It was done purely out of fun and passion. However interest mounted and with the power of the media people started contacting us to have things done. From there they launched their first full-fledged collection in December 2001. Who are the greatest inspirations in your designs and concept philosophy? When I was young, I am very much influenced by the works of Rei Kawakubo of Comme Des Garçon. I still admire her work and her mentality. The way she makes everything unique, even the way she retails her products, is totally admirable. Anyone and everyone including myself can inspire me. Experiences and events also inspire me. It is how deeply a situation or person causes an impression on me that makes me ponder and from there, becomes inspirational. I do not have an iconic personality that causes my inspiration, but I am more inspired by unusual mundane events and people. What is being a designer all about - Is it to just design clothes for people, or is there something more about being a designer? The term 'designer' is so over hyped. I have never thought of myself as a fashion designer. Maybe a more appropriate term for myself is being called a commercial apparel artist. Such an ironic play of words yes, but I do believe that sums up what I do best. A good designer understands the problems posed to you, and solving it with impeccable solutions with your own style. To just create clothes is simple, anyone can do that, to do it as the above described, is not as easy. |
"Inspiration ranges from patterns on marble floor, to landscape plans from botanic gardens. Designs consistently combine traditional classic tailoring with a twist to make it edgier and self-expressive, whilst retaining the balance of masculine and feminine, military yet soft elements."
Just 2 years on, this homegrown label can also be found in smart boutiques in Malaysia, Sydney, Tokyo & Taiwan. Baylene Fashion gallery is located at Stamford House #01-04. Check out www.baylene.com What is being a designer all about - Is it to just design clothes for people, or is there something more about being a designer? It's about dressing up people and making them the centre of attention. To pull others in like gravity. What are your all-time classics or most wearable styles? Tailored BAYLENE jacket, with a hooded BAYLENE jumper underneath and my grey Tsubi jeans. In your opinion, what is the season's hottest look? Jackets worn inside out. What do you think of Singapore's fashion instinct? WHITE AND RED, that's the colour of Singapore. A fashion instinct grows from the symbol of a national such as it's flag, it's national flower. |
"I have very spontaneous style to my work. The designs are large in pieces but at the same time soft and fluid, but without hindering myself from designing chunky and dramatic detailing. All the designs are started from scratch, It's interesting to see where the thoughts can lead you to. It's very therapeutic process to witness the final product, turns out to be satisfying. Even a pebbled floor or old stacks of newspapers can trigger off a rush of ideas on the texture, feel and concept."
With great interests in accessories at the age of seven, she started making them since. April last year, Amelyn finally fulfilled her childhood dream and started her own label, called simply, Ameline. Her gorgeous designs can be found at the Scotts Shopping Centre, unit #03-16.
Accessories are like clothes. What earrings, bags, shoes, rings you wear, speaks a lot about you. Accessories complete and spice up the look. If there are no accessories, it's like a sentence without a full stop. What is being a designer all about - Is it to just design for people, or is there something more about being a designer? The term designer is just a term used to describe what we do. As designers, we need to have an eye for details, and that could sometimes mean being very meticulous, being a perfectionist. It is also very important that designers are aware of the surroundings, as the environment changes design. What are some of the important characteristics that a person need to have in order to become a good designer? Perseverance, patience, discipline, hardworking, creative and being humble. Many people in this industry are simply too egoist, and think too highly of themselves. Because of their ego, many have placed a halt to their growth as a designer. |
pon graduation from the Raffles Design Institute in Fashion Studies, Luke Elijah Lim served his two years full-time national service as a costume designer at the Singapore Armed Force's Music and Drama Company's. He also participated in numerous local and international design competitions. 
raduated from Lasalle College of the arts, having done the degree programme conferred by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Being top of the class, he was then awarded the best student award in the degree programme. He also served a short apprenticeship at the Arcadia Group in London.
aylene started her fashion career at one the leading New Zealand fashion houses. She was also crowned as the CLEO BEST READY-TO-WEAR DESIGNER 2004 and Winner of the Singapore Mercedes-Benz Asia Fashion Award 2005. Baylene debuted her own solo collections and a boutique with her name.
rmed with a degree in fashion design at LaSalle SIA College of Arts. She won the Dylon Textile Award and, got into Smirnoff Graduate Showcase 2002. Now she is making a big wave in the accessories business. 
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I love Sex and the City. Not really because of the provocativeness of the show. No, I love Sex and the City because of the clothes.
So read carefully the following lines, and you'll know where to get the perfect gift for your loved ones, if you have a few hundred bucks to spare. And always remember, it's a simple rule: the more expensive the gift, the more love you're showing, and the more love you get back. Yeah, I'm superficial. But at least I have my Prada slip-ons.
Francis Cheong
One of Singapore's most famous designers, known throughout the world, Mr. Cheong's clothes are perfect for the socialite who needs to be seen in the right circles. Meaning royalty, and I'm not talking about Fergie here. His most recent collection displayed for Asia Fashion Week came about from his desire to bring Hollywood to the public.
"Everybody likes to look like a movie star." His collection certainly puts the 'glam' in 'glamourous'. In fact it puts the 'orous' in it too.
Having gotten a chance to speak to Francis at the show, I asked the question that probably thousands of people have asked, and thousands of reporters will in the future: any chance of making a lower-end range of clothing for the fashion-savvy yuppie woman who can't toss away thousands on clothes?
For all of you women holding your breath waiting for it to happen, you ought to take a big gulp of air. It's not happening anytime soon.
Why? Professionalism, the desire to produce the perfect gown, the difficulty in making a design that pleases everyone, instead of the personalised style he makes for his clientele. It's not easy either.
So save your buckaroos, and someday when you need to attend a royal ball, and hopefully have the chance to marry Prince William, run to Francis and make yourself fabulous.
Mety Darmali
She's more than a little obscure to all of us. In fact I doubt any more than a handful of us have ever heard of her or her designs. But I saw Ms. Darmali's work, and it was like I died and went to heaven. And before you think I'm exaggerating, you should look out for her designs.
Each bag is hand-designed, hand-sewn and hand-crafted. It was one of those days when I envied my girl friends for being women, and having so much of a choice of couture. Mety's works are priced rather reasonably for their workmanship.
Embroidered bags start at US$80, and her leather handbags are personally made by herself, are one of a kind pieces that she makes, and paints on designs as she is inspired to make. The cost? US$1500 or so. A paltry price to pay for something like a Picasso. And unlike a Picasso, you can carry this around everywhere you go and flaunt your taste and elegance, and the bag.
And you'll be hard pressed to find someone who can replicate this for you. Want a pretty bag to match your pretty face? Start checking out her designs by contacting her. Mety Darmali has a website it's www.metydarmali.com and her email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Shelley Siu
Her shawls have had international prominence. What started out as a project with the Ministry of Manpower to help out retrenched women by teaching them how to sew shawls and embroider on them has become a national culture with Ms. Siu's Singapore Shawls.
Beautiful and stunning, with often orchid and flowery motifs on them, the Singapore Shawl has been seen on the shoulders of many of the most important women in Singapore, and been seen all around the world as far as LA, California.
Mrs. S.R. Nathan adores the shawls, and Ms. Siu's works of beauty have become statements of style and culture. Sling it, swing it, sway your body with it. There's no end to the ways you can dress the Singapore Shawl. Starting at $100 onwards, these are a great buy. Choose from a variety of cloths, from satin to cotton to cash
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Fashion Trends for Fall 2009
The main themes were romantic clothes in diaphanous fabrics with frills, bright prints in floral, Pucci-esque and ethic designs, craft inspired applique and patchwork, metallics in shades of pewter and sixties-style graphical black and white prints.
The hottest trend for this fall is the dress, and not just any dress, it has to be short; the longest is just on the knee but many were so short that the word tunic barely sufficed, and the dresses would need to be worn over trousers to be decent.
These dresses follow every big style trend of the season. Styles were mainly shifts or empire line, with shirtwaisters as a more demure and grown-up option.
As for the designs, they follow all the hottest trends; romantic frilled dresses in floating, floral prints, metallic fabrics, craft-led folk designs and patchwork and graphical black and white.
The hottest colour tips are bright neons for fall, particularly acid yellow and Yves Klein blue.
Fortunately there are plenty of cool, casual neutrals in beige, peach, sand and stone available too.
The couture catwalks also showed lots of futuristic designs, robot-like metal dresses, shimmering fabrics and eccentric shapes. Looking forward to holiday time, fashionable beachwear includes white one-piece swimsuits, short shorts, huge face covering sunglasses and Grecian-style sandals.
Trouser-lovers are in for a lean time this season, as there were no jeans to be seen, and trousers were few and far between.
Handbag lovers still have plenty to drool over as bags are still big, big, big! Shoes are either thin-strapped sandals or high platforms or wedges.
Carrying on from last season, necklaces are still big, bold, statement pieces and earrings once more are tiny or non-existent.
If you don't want to wear a necklace then a huge bangle will also put you on-trend.
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